On the mend

Hannah was delayed a couple of hours, but surgery started around lunchtime and we were able to see her in the early evening. Her surgeon is happy with how things went and her Glenn Shunt circulation is now in place.

We are doing well, feeling exhausted but relieved. When we took her in I did ok until the anaesthetist came to take Hannah to theatre. We decided Gus would go with Hannah, so while he donned some scrubs I had a quick cuddle with my little lady. Then we prayed together and off they went. I felt a little awkward bawling in the middle of the post-operative ward for kids who have just come out of day surgery, but thankfully a lovely retired nurse/older volunteer came to chat and provide tissues till Gus came back.

During Hannah’s surgery, we tried to keep occupied by going to the local shopping centre. It worked pretty well – I even managed to get my hair cut, something I haven’t done since before Hannah was born! The hospital sent us with a pager that gave us a 40 min window to get back to the hospital for when she’d be on her way to PICU.

Our little one in her big bed

Seeing our little girl with all the tubes, monitors and the operation incision is hard, because Hannah is generally so smiley and happy. I had also forgotten how overwhelming all the different noises and smells of the hospital can be. But slowly slowly Hannah came out of sedation over 24 hours. She has been a bit agitated, a combination of the massive headache she has from the bypass machine and change in her hearts circulation, as well as all the tubes and wires that are currently attached. But maybe the biggest thing is she’s missing her milk. Most of those things will sort themselves out over the next few days.

Her breathing tube came out first meaning we were able to have a cuddle. The chest drains and most of the other tubes and wires came out later ready for the move from PICU to the cardiac ward. It’s a lovely bit of progress towards heading home! But we will take each minute/hour/day as they come.

Hannah’s first small bottle after fluid restrictions were decreased was very well received!

Our friends Kat, Mick and Sophie have also had a big couple of days. Sophie was operated on the day before Hannah, and it also went well. She’s out of ICU which is wonderful. Please continue to pray that she’d heal and recover smoothly.

Please give thanks for…

Hannah and Sophie’s surgery going ahead successfully and her recovery so far

The medical team looking after her, their skill, wisdom and care

Our hope of new life in Jesus

Please pray for…

Hannah and Sophie’s continued recovery

Lots of energy and good sleep for Gus and I

Comfort for other families in PICU, there are children here with trauma and terminal illnesses as well as others recovering from surgery

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. – 1 Corinthians 4:5-7